Villarreal defender Gonzalo Rodriguez will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup finals after tearing a ligament in his right ankle.

The Argentina international suffered the injury during the 1-0 loss against Barcelona on Friday and his absence could hardly have been worse timed with the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal coming up.

Rodriguez's central defensive partner Juan Manuel Pena has also been ruled out of the first leg of the Gunners clash after straining a knee ligament against Barcelona, while goalkeeper Sebastian Viera is suspended.

Mariano Barbosa will replace Viera, while Yellow Submarine coach Manuel Pellegrini is set to field Alessio Tacchinardi and Cesar Arzo in the heart of defence.